3/4 stars
Infinity War was a rollercoaster of a movie with near unparalleled computer graphic imagery. We gobble up the spectacular supernatural feats displayed by idealized super humans. Despite the movie being packed to the brim with fighting scenes and heroic gestures, the Russo brothers succeed in balancing action and drama with plot development.
The use of comedy throughout the film serves some interesting purposes. Firstly, it allows us reprieves from the fast paced plot and action sequences. Secondly, it is used to help us warm up to onslaught of characters the audience is being introduced to. For example, Peter Parker’s funny interactions with Tony Stark cause us to immediately welcome him into our worlds.
The Russo brothers display an exciting cast of characters, ranging from the stoic Dr. Strange to the smartass Stark to the goofy Peter Quill. Despite these differences in personality they all shared a common denominator: a strong moral compass.
At the same time, however, Thanos, the antagonist, does not fit the stereotype of the egomaniacal villain, as he seeks to actually improve the lives of others at an albeit terrible cost. He also has the emotional capacity to mourn over his daughter. While the audience wholeheartedly sides with the Avengers, one cannot help but see the reason behind Thanos’s actions and feel empathy for him. In the end, however, the Avengers are there to remind us that the wrongfulness of mass genocide is absolute.
For the most part, the Russo brothers succeed in incorporating subplots and having them successfuly converge at the end. However, the exception to this is the dull romance between Wanda and Vision, as there is no provided context behind their attraction towards each other.
Ultimately, the movie pulls off the incredible feat of constant original material in fighting sequences, and its ability to juggle a huge cast of authentic characters is impressive. While the film can be admittedly overwhelming at times, the director succeeds in carrying the film’s huge responsibility as a part of the Marvel franchise. The world of the Avengers is paradise for moviegoer who enjoys action, stunning CGI, and larger than life superheroes.